2. What if my insurance company doesn’t participate at Sindecuse?

All students are welcome to use health center services. Call the customer service number listed on your insurance card to ask how the insurance company would treat a visit to WMU’s health center. If you are seeking a local medical provider, your insurance company may recommend one, or staff at the health center can assist.

3. If my student is being treated for a medical concern, will Sindecuse staff manage continuing treatment?

Yes, our clinic will coordinate with your primary care clinician to continue treatments. We are ready to manage health concerns like ADHD, diabetes, depression, or anxiety and to continue physical therapy services, to name a few.

4. How do I transfer medical records to Sindecuse Health Center?

We only ask for medical records of students who will be receiving continuing care. Before your student arrives, make arrangements to send your student’s medical records to us. Our medical records fax number is (269) 387-4494.

5. Will you administer allergy injections?

Allergy injections are given by our nursing staff by appointment. Please contact us at (269) 387-3287 and make an appointment.

6. Where can my student go to get the meningitis vaccine or a flu shot?

Meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccines, as well as other immunizations, are given by our nurses by appointment during regular health center hours. Flu vaccinations are available late summer through spring.

7. Where can my student go for emergency medical help when the health center is closed?

There are several immediate care facilities and two major hospitals in the area. For after-hours emergency care call:

8. Do you fill outside prescriptions or sell over-the-counter medications?

Our pharmacy offers prescription drugs that may be ordered by our medical staff or your family clinician. Prescriptions may also be transferred to Sindecuse from your hometown pharmacy. We carry a wide variety of over-the-counter medications including aspirin, cough medicine, vitamins and much more.

9. Is health insurance required to attend WMU?

Domestic students are required to meet minimum essential coverage requirements per the Affordable Care Act. International students are required to carry insurance that meets J1 visa minimums or other minimum coverage per the ACA plus repatriation and evacuation coverage. If you wish to purchase a student health insurance policy, the health center can help you explore your options.

10. Will I be informed about my student’s health center visits?

Students 18 and older must fill out and return a release of information form to allow health center staff to answer your questions. We do not notify parents or guardians when their adult child visits the health center. Inquiries about medical treatment, insurance and billing concerns are all protected health information only shared with someone other than the patient if we have a written authorization on file. Students may choose to release only billing information and reserve access to medical information.

11. What if my student is under 18?

If your student is under 18, a parent or guardian's authorization is required on a consent form before we can provide treatment, Health Center staff make every effort to contact a parent in the event of an emergency or serious illness affecting a minor child. This authorization is effective until the student turns 18.

12. Are immunizations required to attend Western Michigan University?

No. Sindecuse Health Center strongly suggests having several immunizations before attending college. All recommended immunizations are available at the health center by appointment.

13. What does a student need to bring to a visit to the health center?

14. How much does Counseling cost?

Counseling is offered at no charge to students. Visit the health center during regular hours to see a counselor. No appointment is needed for your first counseling visit.

15. Is there a psychiatrist on staff?

Yes. Psychiatry appointments are available by referral from a primary care clinician or a counselor.

16. Can I use a flexible spending account card at the health center?

We will try to run the card. Sometimes it goes through and sometimes the card is declined, as it is intended to be used at locations designated as 'medical'. The WMU health center is part of an educational institution, which affects the way a card processor recognizes the charge. If the charge is declined, you will have to submit the claim yourself.